Month Two

My how the time has flown!  It seems like just yesterday we were unpacking the last box.  Our new married life has begun and is filled with 40 hour work weeks, meeting and building relationships with new neighbors, and trying to find the time to actually go out and explore OKC a little bit.  With those schedules and our new OK Driver Licenses, we definitely feel like this is home.  People told me Okies would be wierd, and I have been asked by many how the people are here.  So, after some quiet deliberation I can honestly say that either they are normal, or I am just as wierd with them.  I will say that when you tell an Okie that you will have Jolly Jumps at your block party, they look at you with a wondering expression of what on earth those could possibly be.  Other then that they're pretty normal.  

A conversation came on the radio the other day that got me thinking.  It was actually a few weeks ago and I thought, "I should write my next blog post on this topic."  Well, 3 weeks later, here it goes.  

I feel like I know more people who rededicate their life to God then those who become Christians for the first time (as if you can become Christian a second time).  As this thought occured to me, I had two main questions pop in my head.  The first: Why does becoming a Christian not always work the first time?  That lead me to the second question: If people become a Christian and truly follow Jesus then they wouldn't have to rededicate their lives again, so were the people rededicating their lives actually Christians?  I am sure some were (because I was), and it sure makes the case for discipling.


I have been at youth conferences where many students go up to the stage to rededicate their life to Christ and it's a victory, but then three days later, they are living exactly the same as they were before they came, saying the same types of words, and negative statements.  I feel  as humans, we have great intentions, but we are very set in our ways.  It is difficult to completely change your lifestyle after one decision.  

So, whether a person rededicates their life to Christ after falling away or chooses to follow Christ for the first time, discipling is very important.  It is what every member of our church chooses to do on a weekly basis.  It is an intregal part of who we are.  Not only do we teach and build each other up, but we are reading the Bible with people whose worlds are going to be turned upside down when they realize they are not following Jesus and choose to make the incredible decision to act out the faith they thought they had. When that happens (because it will) we will continue discipling them, then they can disciple others.  Slowly we can begin to wipe out the rededication aspect of Christianity where it will no longer be necessary!  I can't wait!

Week Two

I feel like we are home.  It is amazing to me, but I don't think I have very felt this way about any place that I have ever lived outside of Roswell.  I am very grateful to feel so comfortable because in 4 days I will be starting a new job, completing tasks I have never before attempted, and doing my best to trust that God will give me the knowledge and connections to get it all done.

When I moved to Scotland for my Masters degree, I remember having to completely change the way I spoke in my courses and writing.  The people I met there, primarily my professors and colleagues, spoke with a large academic vocabulary.  This is normal in classrooms, but in my mind and probably in reality, they spoke this way in their everyday lives.  Everyone was so knowledgeable.  I struggled to sound as knowledgable and well educated as they did.  Eventually my vocabulary began changing and I didn't feel quite as uneducated (even though I have had a great education).

Moving back to Roswell scared me.  Not everyone used the academic vocabulary I had grown accustomed to and I was afraid I would lose that as well as all the knowledge I had gained.  I felt like I was going to be dumbed down if I stayed too long.  I'm sorry.  I know that is a terrible thing to say, and I have such amazing, smart, respectable friends and family in Roswell, but it wasn't Edinburgh and I may have turned into a bit of a prude since I actually believed that.  I tried so hard to get out of Roswell, but God had other plans as all those who know me understand.  As those plans were taking shape and I was going to be staying in Roswell, God was shaping my heart towards his and kind of slapped me in the face.  Side note: God doesn't care how much your grieving, if you  need humbling, he will humble you.   That slap consisted of God reminding me that the amount of knowledge in my mind and the vocabulary I use do not make me who I am.  My identity is not found in my education, my vocabulary, or what I know.  My identity is found in Him.

I share this because I am beginning to go back into that world.  The world where vocabulary, specifically academic vocabulary, is important.  The world where I need to be able to understand the English language in all aspects.  I still have so much to learn.  The difference now, is that I understand that my identity is in Christ.  God has given me this position and I know that he will give me the knowledge and words I need to succeed.  I am so excited to be back in the world of international students and I can't wait to see how God will use all of this for His glory!!!